Giving Tree stages 'You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown'

Wednesday, Aug 21, 2013

As families return to their hectic school schedules, Oklahoma Christian University invites the community to enjoy the musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

OC’s summer theater production house, the Giving Tree Theatre, will stage the classic show Aug. 23-25 and Aug. 30-Sept. 1 in Judd Theatre on the OC campus. Adapted to the stage by Clark Gesner, the musical comedy is based on Charles M. Schulz’s beloved “Peanuts” cartoon series.

According to the director, OC alumnus Chad Anderson, the musical is a great way for families to reflect on similar experiences as the new school year begins.

“The show is a humorous way to relive the antics of some of these well-known characters as they navigate life in elementary school,” he said. “The lessons are timeless and heart-warming, and almost everyone can relate to these experiences.”

Anderson also acts in the plays. He has directed the last four Homecoming musicals at OC, and he directed and starred in last year’s Giving Tree production of “Forever Plaid.” An active member of the theater community in Oklahoma City, Anderson holds a master of performing arts degree from Oklahoma City University and a master of fine arts degree in theater from the University of Oklahoma.

The musical also stars local OC alumni Jason Engelke, Madison Calloway, Kristi Krempges and Tommy Winberry, as well as student Andrew Zapata. OC music professor Paula Hutton serves as the accompanist, Brent Pederson is the stage manager and Tyler Perring served as set coordinator.

The Friday and Saturday performances of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” begin at 7 p.m. The Sunday shows begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be ordered by calling (405) 425-5540, online from the Giving Tree Theatre’s Facebook page or by visiting http://bit.ly/charliebrowntickets.

The Giving Tree Theatre seeks to provide a showcase for the Oklahoma City area’s talented artists while inaugurating new talents into its group of performers and technical artists. Earlier this summer, Giving Tree produced the popular play, “Everything I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”